Petunias are among the most common garden annuals, celebrated for their vibrant, long-lasting color from spring until the first frost. This popularity, however, often leads to a dilemma when coexisting with local wildlife, particularly white-tailed deer. Successful gardening requires a clear understanding of deer feeding patterns and the specific characteristics of the plants you choose.
The Deer’s Preference for Petunias
The question of whether deer eat petunias has a complex answer, but they are generally not a preferred food source. Petunias possess several characteristics that typically make them less palatable to browsing animals. The leaves and stems of the petunia plant are covered in fine, tiny hairs, giving them a slightly sticky texture that deer dislike. Furthermore, the foliage has a strong, distinct fragrance and in some varieties, a slightly bitter taste, which works as a natural deterrent. Despite these built-in defenses, petunias are sometimes listed as plants that experience “occasional severe damage” because the plant itself is soft and high in moisture content, making it an easy target for a desperate animal.
Why Deer Occasionally Deviate from Their Diet
A deer’s diet is primarily driven by available nutrition, and they will always select the most palatable, high-quality forages first. Factors that override this natural preference often relate to environmental stress and population dynamics. During periods of drought or deep winter, a scarcity of natural food forces deer to eat less-preferred vegetation. Increased population density also depletes the best natural food sources. Competition then forces individuals to resort to plants they would normally avoid, such as garden ornamentals. Deer also instinctively seek out new growth because it is more digestible and higher in crude protein and energy than mature plant material. This “early sessional growth,” including young petunia shoots and buds, is a sought-after nutritional boost, making the plants vulnerable.
Protecting Your Petunias from Grazing
Protecting your petunias requires a multi-faceted approach that combines physical barriers, chemical deterrents, and strategic placement. For maximum assurance, a solid fence must be at least 7 to 8 feet tall. A less visually intrusive alternative is a double-fence system, involving two parallel fences, each about 4 to 5 feet high and spaced a few feet apart. This design makes the landing zone look unsafe, confusing the deer’s depth perception. Scent- and taste-based repellents are another effective tool, often containing ingredients like rotten egg solids, capsaicin, or garlic.
To maintain their effectiveness, these products require diligent reapplication, typically every two to four weeks, and immediately following heavy rainfall. During the spring and early summer when petunias are putting on rapid new growth, more frequent, weekly applications to the fresh foliage may be necessary. Strategic planting can also reduce the risk of browsing. Placing petunias in elevated containers, such as hanging baskets, physically keeps them out of the deer’s easy reach. Companion planting near strongly scented, deer-resistant plants like rosemary, thyme, or ornamental alliums can help mask the petunia’s scent.